BTDT moms who labored at home

We are trying to stay at home for as long as possible when I go into labor. I am going to do my best to have an un-medicated birth so I want to be in tip top shape by the time we head off.

I'm in the middle of stocking up on stuff to have at home while I'm in early labor.

If you stayed home for awhile -- anything you had on hand (or wish you had had) that might be beneficial?


-- I guess while I'm here too, anything I might not think of that I need to make sure I have at home for when we come home?

I'm open to all kinds of tips and suggestions. Thanks, ladies.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I woke at 1 am with contractions, didn't leave for hospital until close to 930am. I wouldn't say I needed anything really, aside from the contraction tracker app. Otherwise use your surroundings, couch, pillows, etc. This is what I found to be helpful....showering, eating!!! (I know most people advise against it but to me a natural labor with no food in your stomach is like running a marathon with no energy, you are going to need it!!) and walking was sooooo helpful ( we went for a walk of about 2.5 miles). Also, having my DH by my side was super helpful. Oh, and something to keep your hair out of your face. As for coming home, have good pads (big ones) that you like. Don't send DH to buy pads. You won't be happy with sub par pads. Also, you need breast pads regardless if you plan to BF or not bc your boobs will most likely leak.

BTDT moms who labored at home

I got to the hospital when contractions were two minutes apart but was only 5cm. I agree with the above... a contraction app, a shower and a good meal was the best I could ask for!

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

Which App do you guys like?

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I got to the hospital between 8-10cm every time. I didn't need anything special at home, except for the contraction time app which was awesome.

Message edited 7/6/2013 10:11:23 PM.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

BTDT moms who labored at home

I also used a contraction app (I just searched contraction app and picked a highly rated free one). I also had an exercise ball that I sat on. I had horrible back labor though, so I was only 3-4 cm but had labored for 20 hours at home when I finally begged DH to go to the hospital.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I tried to labor at home for a decent amount of time because my hospital the first time around was a good distance away ( close to 45 minutes). I didn't want to get there and be sent home because it was too soon. I didnt live around the corner after all. I started to go into labor around 5 am and told my DH. I just started timing the contractions and tried to have a relaxing morning at home. I sent DH for eggs on a bagel so I had a nice breakfast for energy. I knew that they wouldn't let me eat once I got to the hospital. I also took a nice shower and blew out my hair wanted to pamper myself for the last time in a while. ;) Lol!
I continued to time the contractions and left my house when my dr. Told me how far apart he wanted the contractions to be. I ended up leaving around 11:30 for the hospital. When I arrived I was 5-6cm dilated and they took me right into the delivery room. I delivered my dd at 4:46pm. I could have gone sooner but I was waiting for my dr who was busy delivering another baby.

I was very happy to labor for a while at home. It's obviously more comfortable. But you also don't want to cut it so close that you're racing to the hospital with your legs crossed!!! Good luck!!!!

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I labored and delivered at home with my last... It wasn't planned but the hospital sent me home and I just professed so fast I couldn't make it back.... I just found that all I needed was my own concentration, rembering to breathe and reminding myself to stay calm.... I use a lot f curse words but did not want anyone touching me less talking to me except my husband... My poor mom got the brunt of my foul mouth...

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I labored at home for 10 hours bc when i went to the hospital the first time i wAs only 2 cm so they said i could leave. Anyway i basically watched tv n kept timing the contractions, ate something small, had a glass of wine n went for a walk around the block. By 12 am i couldnt do it anymore.. My dd was born that morning at 7:56

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I'm staying home as long as possible and have my exercise ball ready!

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I labored for over 24 hours at home with irregular back labor. I had my exercise ball and DH had one of those three prong hand held back massagers for my lower back because all I wanted was for him to rub my back as hard as he could.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

Do you have a choice? Do some people go to the hospital earlier than others?

BTDT moms who labored at home

I planned on laboring at home, but my water broke before contractions even started so I had no choice but to go. It worked out fine anyway bc I progressed really fast once I got there.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

I started having contractions at 10pm and didn't go to the hospital til 9am the next morning. I was only 1.5cm. FAIL. lol


ETA: I was trying for a VBAC and had to be monitored so I was admitted- I didn't have her until midnight that night (I eventually gave in and got the epi at 8:30pm)

Message edited 7/7/2013 10:40:54 AM.

BTDT moms who labored at home

My labor started at 3am but it was very inconsistent. I stayed in laying down and trying to sleep as much as possible during the day. I had 2-3 hour stretches with no contractions which is when I slept.
When contractions started getting more regular I took a walk. Then I took a shower and just found a comfortable spot on the apartment (which ended up being a glider in Dds nursery). I had my contraction timer app and a bottle of water. At midnight I went to the hospital - I was 5cm. Dd was born at 5am

Edit to add the app I used....
Full term labor contraction timer

Message edited 7/7/2013 7:07:01 PM.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

Message edited 7/7/2013 10:16:55 PM.

BTDT moms who labored at home

My sister had me get an laboring ball. It was supposed to help with hip pain and labor. It didn't come in time so I never got to use it. I wouldn't have needed it anyway since you know my story and I needed to get induced anyway since my water broke.

My plan was to labor at home as long as possible as well. I felt like crap all day and taking a bath did help and relax me.